ANALYST VIEWS: HOW MUCH DID THE UK ECONOMY GROW IN THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR?
HOWARD ARCHER IHS GLOBAL INSIGHT
“We have pencilled in overall GDP growth of 0.2 per cent in the first quarter. Based on all of the data and survey evidence available so far for the first quarter, we get the impression that the economy picked up in January, suffered a dip in February but then improved anew in March.”
VICKY REDWOOD CAPITAL ECONOMICS
“It will be a close-run thing as to whether or not the data show the economy contracting again. Our best guess is that GDP rose, but by only 0.1 per cent – meaning that output is still below the level seen in the third quarter of last year. However, there is a particularly high level of uncertainty.”
TOBIAS BLATTNER DAIWA
“Despite Friday’s stronger-than-expected consumer spending figures, this looks set to be another weak reading. The volume of retail sales was up 0.9 per cent on a three-monthly basis suggesting private consumption provided modest support. We expect growth to come in at 0.1 per cent.”